A lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Tajudeen Olalekan-Yusuf, has urged Muslim faithful to uphold Islam as a religion of peace and a pathway to national integration, rather than associating it with extremism.
Olalekan-Yusuf made the call while delivering a lecture at the second Ramadan Lecture organised by the Muslim Community of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
The lecture, titled “National Integration and World Peace: The Islamic Approach,” focused on the role of Islamic teachings in fostering harmony within diverse societies.
The professor, from the Department of Actuarial Science and Insurance, Faculty of Management Sciences, UNILAG, said the moral and spiritual values embedded in Islam could complement legal and institutional frameworks in building sustainable peace.
He explained that Islam, drawing from a long ethical tradition rooted in earlier revelations, is uniquely positioned to promote peace and security globally. According to him, the word “Islam” shares its root with “salaam,” meaning peace, reflecting the Qur’anic emphasis on peace as the norm and conflict as the exception.
Quoting relevant verses from the Qur’an, he noted that peace is consistently encouraged, while corruption and injustice are condemned.
Olalekan-Yusuf further observed that many conflicts often labelled as religious are frequently driven by political, economic and social factors. Citing research on sectarian conflicts in Egypt and Bosnia, he said religious motives are often intertwined with deeper historical and socio-economic issues.
He stressed that misdiagnosing conflicts as purely religious could lead to ineffective solutions. Instead, he called for addressing political grievances, economic inequalities and social injustices alongside promoting authentic religious understanding.
“The Islamic approach to national integration and world peace is not a utopian ideal. It was practised in Medina and sustained for centuries in Muslim societies, and it remains achievable today,” he said.
He encouraged Muslims to use the Ramadan period for reflection on values such as mercy, forgiveness and solidarity with the less privileged, noting that Ramadan promotes peace and spiritual discipline capable of transforming character and strengthening national unity.
“It requires wisdom to distinguish timeless principles from time-bound applications. It requires compassion and action to translate belief into practice,” he added.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Dipo Akomolafe, urged people of different faiths to live according to the true teachings of their religions.
He emphasised the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. He also commended the university’s Muslim community for promoting harmony and assured them of the institution’s continued support.
The event featured award presentations and was attended by religious scholars, students, lecturers, staff and members of the public.